The saloon is the latest-generation Corolla’s third body style, following the recently revealed hatchback and Touring Sports. It will make its debut on 16 November, ahead of an early 2019 launch, although it is not expected to come to the UK.

It will be based on Toyota’s TNGA modular platform, which is also used on the Prius and Camry, and will be built in Toyota’s Turkish plant alongside the C-HR crossover.

The saloon has been spotted testing in heavy camouflage and is understood to take its design cues from the Corolla hatchback.

It will be the first Corolla saloon to be offered with hybrid engines: either a 121bhp 1.8, which is also used in the C-HR and Prius, or a new 2.0-litre version with 178bhp that is available in the hatchback and Touring Sports variants. There will be only one conventional petrol engine – a 1.2-litre unit with 114bhp – and no diesel.

Now that Toyota has axed the Auris name for its UK models, the new car will be known as the Corolla globally.